Improvement in grain-ventilators



L B. F. ELLIOTT.

Grain-Ventilator.

No. 206,096. Patented July 16, 18 78.

M. PETERS, PNDTO-UTHOGRAPMERL WASHINGTON, n 04 UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE.

BENJAMIN F. ELLIOTT, or CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA.

l M-PROV'E'M'ENT IN 'G RAlN-VENTI LATO RS.

Specification forming part of Letters PatentNo. 206,096, dated July 16,1878; application filed March 9, 1878.

To all whom it may concern: I

Be it known that I, BENJAMIN F. ELLIOTT, of Cedar Rapids, in the countyof Linn and State of Iowa, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Grain-Ventilators, of which the following is aspecification:

My object is to so construct ducts or channels for air-passages ingrain-ventilators that they cannot fill or clog with grain, and the airbe thus obstructed, and also to so arrange them in the bins as to securethe most perfect ventilation of the whole mass by gaining a freecirculation of pure air, and facilitating the escape of the heated airand noxious gases to which all grain is subject, the whole being easilyand cheaply made, durable in its character, and removable at pleasure.

In the accompanying sheet of drawings, Figure 1 represents a bottom viewof the duct; Fig. 2, a cross-section of same, taken in the line A B;Fig. 3, the ducts arranged in a bin; Figs. 4 and 5, different forms ofducts; and Fig. 6, a movable cap, closing over external holes to excludemoisture.

The detail of the ducts is shown by B, Figs. 1, 2, and 3. It may alsoconform to the outline of Figs. 4 and 5, and be made of either wood ormetal, as desired. The general form thereof is not the gist of thisinvention.

For the purposes of this applicationthe quadrangular outline has beenpreferred, as it is simple and cheap in construction, and contains moreair-space than the V-shaped channel, at the same time being best adaptedto the mode of arrangement herein described. It consists of a channel ortrough made of three boards, fastened together to form parallel sidesand a flat bottom. To the free edges of this trough is fastened a screenof wire-gauze or other porous material. This excludes the grain andprevents choking of the ducts, while at the same time admitting air orbad gases from the ram.

8 Thus constructed, the ducts may be placed in the granarydisconnectedly, and in any desired positionhorizontal, inclined, orverticaland may be used in corn-cribs either with or without thescreen,the ears not being liable to clog the same. When thus used, theyare placed across or lengthwise of the crib, the open side down and theends reaching nearly to the sides or ends. A passage for air is thusmade through the whole bulk, which communicates with the outside throughthe openings between the boards. Not being fastened in any way, the ductis free to settle with the corn, according as it is naturally inclined.

Fig. 2 shows the application of the same to bins of small grain. Arepresents the bin in the ordinary cubical form. A part of the front iscut away to show the arrangement of the ducts. O is a flue orstand-pipe, placed vertically at or near the center of the bin. Ifdesired, the foot may be secured in place by strips inclosing same, asindicated in the cut. This flue is provided on its sides and bottom withrecessed supports a a, which hold the ends of ducts B, and communicateswith the outside through holes 6 ein the wall of the bin. Similarsupports, a a, are also attached to the inner sides of the bin,corresponding in height and distance from either side of the bin tothose on the stand-pipe or flue. Like holes,

0, are provided here for the admission of outside air.

The holes in both pipe 0 and sides of bin A are covered with a screen,0, similar to that on the ducts. By this precaution the grain isprevented from escaping when the ventilato is removed.

To guard against the access of rain to the grain in'the case of binsexposed to the elements, a movable button or cap, "i, is attached to theoutside thereof, so as to be shut over the hole when desired. A hollowon its under and inner side, as shown in Fig. 6, permits of the entranceand escape of air.

Thus constructed, the apparatus is ready to be set up. This is veryquickly done by placin g the flue O upright in its place and the ducts Bin their sockets or supports a a, as represented in Fig. 3. When so setup, it is self supporting, the flue being braced from all sides. Toremove it is the labor of a moment, being only to lift out the pieces.

It will be seen that by this arrangement of parts a very generalventilation is given to the entire body of grain, the ducts radiating inall directions from a common center. The main pipe acts as a flue,which, in connection with the outer holes, creates more or less draft.By this means the natural tendency of the bad air at the Lottom to riseuul impregnate the whole mass of graip "urned to good account bydiverting it pt f -.e amorous channels through which it f ies.

If thought dingipatile fithe flue may be made -higher and the draftthereby materially increased.

The cheapness of my invention constitutes a peculiar advantage overkindred devices now in use. Being made in the simplest manner and ofinexpensive elements, the cost of manufacture is reduced to the minimum.

Another important point of superiority is found in its portablecharacter.

When from any cause it is desirable to remove the ventilator from thegranary or bin, the operation is easily and quickly performed, withoutthe inconvenience and delay of withdrawing screws, bolts, or nails.

Having thus described my invention, whatl claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The combination of ducts B, screen a, flue C, and supports a a,substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. The combination of flue O and ducts B with the outside walls of thebin, having holes e,provided with screen 0, substantially as and for thepurposes set forth.

3. The combination of bin A, having holes a and screen 0, with ducts B,having screen 0, and flue 0, having holes e substantially as and for thepurposes set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as mine, witness my hand this23d day of February, A. D. 1878.

BENJAMIN F. ELLIOTT.

Attest:

R. H. GILMORE, J. M. ST. JOHN.

